AAA warns of distractions, or 'multi-tasking'

Distractions
are one of the major causes of vehicle collisions, posing a danger
for Southern California drivers as traffic congestion rises, according
to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

The group,
the largest affiliate of AAA, this week launched television commercials
to educate motorists about the risks of multitasking while driving.

"Studies
show that 25 percent of all collisions involve at least one driver
who is not paying attention," Arline Dillman, traffic safety
manager for the Auto Club, said. "In today's fast-paced society,
there's a lot of pressure to perform two or three activities simultaneously.
When one of those activities is driving, 'multitasking' can be a
deadly combination."

Several studies
under way seek to determine which types of distractions are most
prevalent in vehicle collisions. Past studies and anecdotal evidence
gathered by law enforcement have identified several common activities
that can be dangerous.

They include
eating or drinking; adjusting the stereo or another dashboard control;
having an intense or emotional conversation with another passenger
or on a cell phone; putting on makeup or shaving; using a cell phone;
reaching for an item in another part of the vehicle; and focusing
eyes on something other than the road ahead.